Count Baron of Linhó Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa

Location

The Palace of the Count Baron of Linhó is located in the city of Lisbon, in the Amoreiras area. It occupies a prominent position in the urban fabric, extending between Rua Saraiva de Carvalho and Rua de Santa Isabel. Although surrounded by an urban environment, the palace remains protected by a wall, which defines its boundaries and contributes to its unique atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Historical Memory and Noble Residence

The construction of this imposing palace began between the 18th and 19th centuries, a period when Lisbon's architecture sought to redefine itself. It was the home of illustrious figures, notably owned by the 1st Baron of Linhó, António Borges Coutinho de Medeiros Sousa Dias da Câmara, in the 19th century. The building was conceived as a stately residence, witnessing the life of Lisbon's nobility over generations. It remains, to this day, a private property with residential use.

Architecture and Details

The architectural composition of the Palace of the Count Baron of Linhó is remarkable, combining Pombaline and Romantic influences. The main building, with a "U" shape that surrounds a central courtyard, features a stepped volume and roofs of varying pitches, which give it dynamism. Its facades are covered with painted plaster, contrasting with the quoins and the stone plinth. The simply framed windows and balconies with wrought and cast iron railings punctuate the three floors of the construction. Particularly noteworthy is the family coat of arms, present on one of the palace's advanced sections, revealing the heraldry of lineages such as the Sequeiras, Pegados, and Freires.

The Formal Garden

The palace property is enriched by a formally designed garden, extending to its southern area. This meticulously walled green space complements the building's architecture, offering a serene contrast to the surrounding urban dynamic. The highlight is the trimmed boxwood, which maintains the tradition of formal gardens of the period, creating patterns and textures that invite contemplation.

A Popular Designation

Among Lisbon residents, the Palace of the Count Baron of Linhó is sometimes known as the "House of Ghosts". This popular curiosity, though lacking official historical basis, adds a layer of mystery and fascination to the already distinguished building, making it a point of interest for the stories that local imagination weaves around it.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt